Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Member of Parliament for the Weija Gbawe Constituency and Second Deputy Minority Whip, has emphasised the need for effective implementation of the proposed law to regulate commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles in Ghana.
Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the proposed amendment to the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683), Hon. Shaib highlighted the alarming rate of motorcycle accidents, citing statistics from the National Road Safety Authority.
The government has formally submitted to Parliament a bill to legalise commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, popularly known as Okada.
The bill was laid by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
The proposed law seeks to amend the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) to provide for the use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for commercial purposes.
It will also facilitate the development of standards for seat belts, safety gear, and other required equipment, as well as make provisions for related regulatory matters.
With the bill laid in Parliament, lawmakers are expected to debate and review the proposed amendments soon.
If passed, Ghana will repeal or modify relevant sections of the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and L.I. 2180, legalising commercial motorcycle transport under a regulated, licensed framework.
Hon. Jerry Ahmed, during the debate, shared a harrowing experience at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighting the devastating consequences of motorcycle accidents in Ghana.
Hon. Shaib recounted his visit to the hospital, where he witnessed the gruesome aftermath of motorcycle accidents. “If you go to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, I have been a witness to the way and manner their legs are being chopped off. It’s terrible,” he said.
He urged a holistic approach to address the issue, including education and training for riders, enforcement of traffic laws, and promoting responsible behaviour.
He noted that between January and August 2025, there were 1,917 accidents in Accra alone, resulting in 10,000 serious injuries and 4,186 motorcycle accidents nationwide.
Hon. Shaib attributed the accidents to factors such as disregard for traffic rules, excessive speed, and poor visibility due to overgrown grass on medians and obstructive billboards. He emphasised the need for education and training for riders, as well as enforcement of traffic laws to reduce accidents.
The proposed law aims to provide a regulatory framework for commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles, including mandatory rider training, licensing, and safety standards. The government has already begun stakeholder consultations, and the Cabinet has approved the proposed amendments.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
